Obituary: Olmstead, Linda Maureen (Skinner) Benthien
Age 71
Linda was born in Spokane on April 12, 1942 to Ann Mary (Rooney) and Howard Maxwell Skinner.
She grew up in Spokane and attended school at North Central High School and Holy Names Academy.
While raising her family she took night classes and graduated from Spokane Community College in 1972.
Linda worked as a secretary in a few different positions before being hired at SCC in 1977.
She spent most of her years at SCC working in the Work Study Program at SCC and found fulfillment helping students.
She was an inspiration to many young people.
Following her retirement in January 2008, Linda was happy to focus more time on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Linda was a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister.
She enjoyed hosting many a family gathering.
Talented at crocheting, Linda crafted many beautiful Afghans and other gifts over the years.
When her children were young she sewed many of their clothes.
She also enjoyed making Christmas cookies and candies.
Linda is survived by her husband Kenneth “Mike” Olmstead; her children Michael (Melinda) Mustered, Anthony (MaryJo) Kraut, Juanita (Denny) Leighton, and Christine McGee; Step-daughter Vicki (Rickey) Ray; grandchildren Maria Goldsberry, Sarah Winton, Sean Kraut, Kiera Maryott, Annali Furgason, Carenna Leighton, Micah Leighton, Elijah Leighton, Seth Leighton, Jeffry Yarbrough, Hailey Rooney, Chad Maxwell Jr.; step-grandsons Brandyn Ray and Camryn Ray; 15 great-grandchildren; her sister Marion Loretta Deal and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Michael Edwin Skinner.
The family wishes to thank Linda’s step-son and wife Paul and Melonie Olmstead for their loving care of Linda and the staff of Hospice House of Spokane for their care in her final days.
A Memorial Service celebrating Linda’s life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home on Government Way.
A graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Greenwood Memorial Terrace.